NORFOLK, Va. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is currently reviewing a Southeastern Public Service Authority proposal to expand landfill operations at the existing regional landfill in Suffolk through the Environmental Impact Statement process.
As part of the process, the Corps is conducting public scoping through Sept. 14, utilizing a web-based Virtual Public Scoping Room.
The online room will walk interested members of the public through background information and provide project details, including maps showing the site and ongoing alternatives analysis updates.
To access the Virtual Public Scoping Room, go to www.nao.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/SPSAPermit/ and click on the “Virtual Public Scoping Room” link.
The Corps is soliciting comments from the public; federal, state, and local agencies and officials; Indian tribes and other interested parties in order to identify issues of concern and assist with development of the range of alternatives to be analyzed in the EIS.
Comments received will be considered in preparation of the Draft EIS pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act and implementing regulations. The decision whether to conduct a public hearing will be made at a later date.
According to a public notice on the Norfolk District website, the current SPSA proposal would impact just under 130 acres of nontidal, forested wetlands.
SPSA will be seeking a Corps of Engineers permit for the expansion.
In addition to the required Department of the Army permit, SPSA must obtain a Virginia Water Protection Permit from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, assuring that applicable laws and regulations pertaining to water quality are not violated.
The Norfolk District Regulatory Office is dedicated to protecting the nation's aquatic resources while allowing reasonable and necessary development, as wetlands filter pollutants from runoff, help store and slow floodwaters during storm events, and provide habitat for many different types of plants and animals.
The office issues permits for regulated activities proposed throughout Virginia. Areas Norfolk District regulates include, but are not limited to, tidal marshes, seasonally saturated forested and nonforested wetlands, swamps, rivers, bays and streams.
Regulatory issues permits under authority of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899.
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